The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1887-06-03


OF the earth by rereach; yea, some have even
visited the scenes Of the Gallo and Trojan
Wars
Tho past years seem insignificant since as
Stunning the dignity OF "A's" and Seniors; Out
the rose must always develop from the little,
green insignificant bnd), One important item
which must not be overlooked, is the class or.
1t was with great anxiety that we
gathered on that momentousday. How breath
lessly all waited while the votes were being
counted and the announcement made by the
chairman What deep chagrin was seen ON
the faces of the unsuccessful oflice-seekers
while the successful one, Mr.. Van Valken-
burgh, assumed an expression OF awful digni-
ty. Great responsibilities were to rest upon
his shoulders; but having inherited many of
the prominent traits of the renowned Wauter
van Twiller, he was able To enter upon his du-
ties with calm. self-possessiou; and was kindly
assisted by both lads and lasses In whose eyes
he had found favor. Many subsequent class.
meetings were held in which Louis surnamed
solomon figured conspicuously by his remarks
of wisdom and counsel; Gussie enlivened us
by her wit, while Josie and Dora, the fair, Of
fcred many thoughtful suggestions. There be-
ing no fewer than fifteen different opinions re-
gardng class-motto, no decision could be
reached; hence compromise was made by
selecting the two most popular ones presept-
ed
After repeated but unsuccessful attempts
to have the entire class present and the almost
hair-bradth escapes of those who secured Il;
the class-tree was planted with all due cere-
mony, and may IL long remain as memorial
of the sterling qualities OF the class of 80.
During the past few months several Class
Literaries have been held, which as means
for intellectual advancement are not To be
surpassed. The youths and maidens were won't
to resort 10 the hall of learning where varied
programmes of a high character were present.
ed. Impromptus, tOasts. dramas OF the most
popular order, music and recesses--long, anu
10y no means the least ENJOYABLE feature ofthe
programme wore given, when we were regal
ed with oranges, nuts, cake, leo cream, ana
other goodies dear To all.
IT'S said that our meetings were OF such
profound nature that indelibie and lasting i'm
pressons were made on the very floors OF the
great hall of learning.
We cannot record all the mighty deeds per-
formed while in the lower classes; but suffice
Il To say that our conduct was well-pleasing In
the sight OF the Powers that be"
Then we came TO the most momentous era,
the entrance into the graduating class, from
which we step into the field OF life sduties lie
provided we pass. IL Is In this year that we
have made ourselves most Iainous' aceor nna
tice the all-importanl principles learned In the
study of methods. that could picture the
expression of blank wonder or amazement ON
the faces OF the victims under our instruction,
occasioned by a fiowery definition or tie ex-
pounding of some new thought or principle;
while We, under close observance OF critic
teachers, who awed us bv their presence and
by the implements for noting criticisms, pro-
ceeded as best We could. Is IL any wonder that
the children were sometimes confused by our
false reasoning and hestating replies TO their
questions? All this occurred in the beginning
of our apprenticeship, SO to speak, but now
we shall go forth armed with that best OF all
Observation-Disclosures will awe school
boards, who will regard US as above ordinary
mortals. Surely fame lies In the near future.
Each one has undoubtedly given the best sat
Isfaction and departs with an unspOken bless
ing upon his head.
Among the most illustrious members OF the
class NAV be mentioned Mr.. Lien, who has won
great celebrity In the Model school, as have
also Mr.. Gunderson, Miss SOdergren and 9TH
crs; Mabel, jamie and Hattie have won re-
nown by their talent In music; Grace, by her
true Yankee Is far-famed as penman. BE-
sides, he can "trip the light fantastic toe with
as much ease as u dancing master, though ne
for the amusement of his friends; then we
| have Herman, the prodigy In science; do you
want Geometrical or Trigonometrical solu-
expanation of any principle of Physics or are
you DESTROYS of knowing the chemical cOnstit-
uents of any compound, Schmidt Is your man;
u. y.
the benefit OF his latest production, written
expressly for this occasion, to which all look
forward with eagerness. His ode to the cat Is
also n sublime poem, which all should have
the privilege of reading. Besides all these, the
class Is full of orators, essayists, comedians
and scholars, with amply sufficient power and
genius to lead the world In many departments
of activity.
Asa whole we have been very regular i'm at
tendance. occasionally members were missed
from the ranks, hindered by sickness; some
Inv. n iEsh ARia %
by a disease, which after a solemn consulta-
ton, the physician pronounced humps All
are now in vigorous health. especially Miss
Stokes, who can take walk of four miles be-
fore break fast, and Mr.. Dokken. who runs no
risks by venturing out In the night air.
The conduct of the class throughout has
the "big book" has not been examined, we
feel il can he safely said that IL contains no
long line of marks against the name and fame
of any one of us. True. Jesse could not resist
the temptation TO assist the Noble girl by his
side in her plant analysis; Seniors found IL es-
sential to sometimes imbibe the Latinized at
mosphere of the IA" room; and notes were &C.
casionaly sent I'm cases of dire necessity; but
reflect on the frailties of man and be lenient.
The class of 81 collectively and individually
have always been remarkable. Ever have
they been looked upon with awe. They have
been admired and Initiated, but not equaled.
The relations existing between individual
members are harmonious; In some cases par
We have now come to the close of our last
year. In n few days We shall have left behind
our school friends, duties and associations.
We go out with the realization that we have
mot finished, but begun" The question which
comes to each one Is, "What future lies before
me p We will leave the answer to our honor
ed Prophecies, who, let ms hope, has constitu-
ted the oracles of Delphi, and Is prepared to
give us an account OF prosperous journey
through the Great Unknown.
Meantime let us ever heed our motto: "N4ne
ts offer msiioTibus.
The speakers manner was self-pos-
sessed and pleasant, showing that she
was perfectly at home on the stage. The
history was well written and received
merited applause.
The class prophecy, by Miss Nina l..
Fisk, was next announced. She opened
her prophecy by telling how much the
prophets and oracles of Olden times were
revered and patronized-especially the
one at Delphi, which she had consulted
before writing the prophecy and who
had told her what she was about to read.
The time taken for the revelation was
the year 1910. The future state of each
;..ember OF the class was revealed and
their stars of destiny led them in
prophecy the writer's imagination was
"as wild of flight and free of wing as
Eden's garden bird. The future life of
each was one path of roses, and especi-
ally were the Young ladies fortunate in
securinggood husbands. The prediction
was made that there would be new
Normal school. Miss Fisk wrote her
prophecy in Bible phrase. Her delivery
was pleasing and the ample applause
which she received showed how well
her effort was appreciated by the audi
ence.
Mr.. Charles Monson, the poet of the
class, followed with the class poem; tax
ing for his subject the class motto, "Not
Finished, but Begun"